Medical Separation Policy

The intent of this policy is to assist students who are not able to function
effectively in the University community for medical reasons, including mental,
emotional, or psychological conditions. It is also the intent of this policy to enable
the student to continue toward the successful completion of his/her academic goals,
if not immediately, then in the future.

A student will be subject to withdrawal from the University if it is determined that
the student is suffering from a medical or psychological condition, which can include
alcohol or other substance dependence, and as a result of the condition:

1. Engages or threatens to engage in, or is likely to engage in, behavior that poses a
significant danger to self or others;

2. Engages or threatens to engage in, or is likely to engage in, behavior that directly
and substantially interferes with the lawful activities of others;

3. Engages or threatens to engage in, or is likely to engage in, behavior that
substantially impairs the results in the student’s ability to pursue academic work; or

4. Refuses to cooperate with efforts deemed necessary by the vice president for
student development/dean of students or his/her designee to determine whether
the student’s behavior falls within one or more of the criteria listed above.

The Vice President for Student Development (or “the Dean”) will appoint a
designee who will notify the student that a separation for medical reasons is under
consideration and arrange for a conference with the student. In addition, the
designee may require that the student undergo an evaluation by an appropriate
licensed health care practitioner of the student’s choosing within a time period
specified by the dean’s designee. The results of this evaluation, along with any
recommendations, will be forwarded to the Dean of Students’ office. Any such
recommendations are not binding on the University.

Before a student is separated for medical reasons, the dean’s designee shall
convene (and may participate in) a review committee comprised of professional
staff members from the Counseling Center, the Health Center, and student life. The
committee will review all information related to the case, including any evaluation or
treatment plan for the student, and make a decision regarding the student’s status.
The dean’s designee shall notify the student in writing of any decision by the review
committee to withdraw the student.

Within five days of receiving the notice of withdrawal, the student may appeal the
decision by sending a written request to the vice president for student development
explaining why the student believes the withdrawal is unwarranted. At the discretion
of the vice president for student development, the withdrawal may remain in effect
during the period of the appeal. The vice president for student development will
review the student’s request, may consult with the student, the dean’s designee,
and/or with the review committee, and may review the information considered by
the committee. The vice president for student development will make a decision
within 5 days of receiving the appeal and will notify the student of the decision. This
decision is final. If the vice president for student development is not available to act
in connection with the appeal, he or she may appoint a designee; provided, however,
that the designee may not be the original designee or an individual who served on
the review committee in the student’s case.

If a student’s behavior poses a significant danger of causing imminent harm to
the student or to others, or of directly and substantially interfering with the lawful
activities of others, the dean’s designee may require an immediate interim
withdrawal of the student. Such interim withdrawal will remain in effect until the
review committee renders a decision regarding the student’s separation for medical
reasons or the dean’s designee otherwise rescinds the interim withdrawal, whichever
is sooner. During the period of the interim withdrawal, reasonable efforts will be
made to expedite the evaluation and review process described above.
A student who is withdrawn under this policy is required to comply with any
conditions established by the University at the time of separation or at the time of
proposed re-enrollment. In this regard, the dean’s designee may require a
recommendation from the director of the Health Center or the director of the
Counseling Center or any additional documentation or evaluation deemed
necessary.